This is a stage of the original Furness Way (Arnside to Ravenglass). For the new 120-mile Westmorland and Furness Way, go to our main trail guide →
Stage 5 of the original Furness Way runs Coniston to Boot: 11.8 miles (19 km) with around 744 m of ascent and a high point of 606 m. It's rated Challenging. The big day: over the Walna Scar pass to Seathwaite in the Duddon Valley, then across the wild Birker Fell to Boot in Eskdale.
Free and un-gated, no sign-up. Load the GPX into your GPS device or phone app. The route isn't waymarked, so carry it with you.
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Elevation Profile
Elevation derived from the route GPX sampled against a digital elevation model (Open-Meteo (Copernicus DEM)). Figures are approximate.
Key Takeaways
The Route & What to Expect
The toughest and finest stage. From Coniston the old Walna Scar Road climbs steadily beneath the Old Man of Coniston to the pass, at around 600 m the highest point of the whole walk. It then descends into the Duddon Valley at Seathwaite, the Dunnerdale village Wordsworth celebrated, not the Seathwaite in Borrowdale.
The route continues down the valley towards Ulpha, then climbs again onto the open, remote moorland of Birker Fell beneath Dod Knott before dropping into Eskdale at Dalegarth and Boot.
There are two big climbs (roughly 740 m of ascent in total), long stretches of exposed ground and no facilities between Seathwaite and Eskdale. Check the mountain forecast, carry a map and compass, and allow a full day.
Getting to the Start & Finish
Start: Coniston has bus links to Ambleside and Windermere. Finish: Boot has no bus service. The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway runs from nearby Dalegarth station down the valley to Ravenglass and the main line.
Always check current timetables. Rural services are limited in the evenings and on Sundays.
Where to Stay & Eat
Boot has walkers' inns, B&Bs and self-catering, and there's a youth hostel and campsites in upper Eskdale. The Duddon Valley at Seathwaite offers a pub stop halfway, and a place to break the stage into two gentler days if you can find a bed.
Accommodation or café near Boot?
Walkers use this page to plan where to stop on Stage 5. A Trail Partner listing puts your B&B, inn, campsite or café in front of them right here.
Become a Trail Partner →Stage 5 FAQs
It's the hardest stage: about 11.8 miles (19 km) with roughly 740 m of ascent, measured from our GPX. It crosses the Walna Scar pass at around 600 m and the remote Birker Fell. Good navigation skills and a settled forecast are recommended. Allow 6 to 8 hours.
Walna Scar Road is a clear, broad track even in poor visibility, but it's exposed to the weather. In high winds or storms, consider waiting a day in Coniston or taking public transport around to Eskdale.
Continue the Walk
All six stages, the full-route map and GPX: Original Furness Way guide · Which Furness Way? · Kit & safety